Stories of
American Heroes -
Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado

Kiyoshi
H. Muranaga

TAPS

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night.

Evergreen
Cemetery

Born:February 16, 1922 at
Los Angeles, CA

Entered
Service in the US Army from Ameche, CO

Earned The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism
June 26, 1944 at Suvereto, Italy

Died:June
26, 1944 at the age of 21

Private First
Class Muranaga's company encountered a strong enemy force in
commanding positions with superior firepower. An enemy 88mm
self-propelled gun opened direct fire on the company, causing
the men to disperse and seek cover. PFC Muranaga's mortar squad
was ordered to action, but the terrain made it impossible to set
up their weapons. The squad leader, realizing the vulnerability
of the mortar position, moved his men away from the gun to
positions of relative safety. Because of the heavy casualties
being inflicted on his company, PFC Muranaga attempted to
neutralize the 88mm weapon alone. Voluntarily remaining at his
position, PFC Muranaga manned the mortar himself and opened fire
on the enemy gun at a range of approximately 400 yards. With his
third round, he was able to correct his fire so that the shell
landed directly in front of the enemy gun. The enemy crew, aware
of the source of mortar fire, turned their 88mm weapon directly
on PFC Muranaga's position. Before he could fire a fourth round,
an 88mm shell scored a direct hit on his position, killing him
instantly. Because of the accuracy of PFC Muranaga's previous
fire, the enemy soldiers decided not to risk further exposure
and immediately abandoned their position.